Melton

Understanding Zionism: The Return to the Jewish Homeland with Rabbi Stan Miles

Thursdays, Aug. 21 - Dec. 11, 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

The story of Zionism is remarkable and without parallel. It is a story of a people exiled from their homeland, a people that despite having suffered from prejudice and oppression for 2,000 years, maintained a strong identity, never losing faith with the dream of an eventual return home. This course examines how these ancient dreams took on new religious, cultural, national, and political dimensions that actualized into the Zionist Enterprise--culminating in the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. The story continues with questions around the meaning of Zionism today, its relationship with the Jewish people in the Diaspora, and some of the contemporary challenges it faces – most notably, the intense criticism of Zionism and the State of Israel, particularly in the aftermath of October 7, 2023 – inviting a deeper reflection on the values, resilience, and relevance of Zionism in the modern era.

With the current pervasive misrepresentation of Zionism seen today, this course presents a nuanced multi-faceted perspective based on primary sources, firsthand accounts, and official documents. 
Join us to deepen your understanding of how and why the State of Israel came into being, and its significance for you personally and for the Jewish people as a whole.

 Timeless Wisdom from the Books of Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, and Song of Songs with Rabbi Scott Hoffman

Tuesdays, Aug. 19 - Nov. 18, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., In-Person

Wednesdays, Aug. 20 - Nov 19, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Zoom

Delve into the mysteries of these ancient scrolls as they muse over the meaning of life, describe national suffering, and depict the power of love. In this 10-part course, selections of these biblical texts will be examined through the lens of commentaries – ancient and contemporary – as they uncover and untangle the complex and everlasting messages about our relationship to the Divine, Humanity and everyday life.  

Jewish Answers to Life's Most Difficult Questions with Cantor David Lipp

Thursdays, Aug. 21 - Oct. 23, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., In-Person

Tuesdays, Aug. 19 - Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Zoom

This is your invitation to join the conversation as we grapple with some of life’s toughest questions, like “Why do good people suffer?”, “Is everything that happens pre-ordained?” and “Can’t God make a miracle for me?” In this six-part course, we’ll explore multiple understandings of these timeless questions through the eyes of the rabbinic sages as well as those of modern thinkers — including our own.
 
The course is based on “Where’s My Miracle: Jewish Traditions for Dealing with Tragedy,” by Rabbi Dr. Morey Schwartz, Melton’s International Director.